Microdermabrasion For Stretch Marks
Using microdermabrasion for stretch marks may not be something that you have considered. However you may wish to reconsider this after you have read the following article about stretch marks and microdermabrasion.
The development of the skin care treatment called microdermabrasion has revolutionized the way in which stretch marks are are treated. It has been shown that the procedure lead to a decrease the appearance of the unsightly marks with a drastic reduction in the areas showing discoloration. This article will help explain why this non-surgical and non-invasive procedure is being hailed as the best treatment available for stretch marks. Please take a look at the photographs below to see exactly how stretch marks can appear. You can click some thumbnails to view larger images and more info.
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are areas of the skin which appear to have been over stretched. The exact cause of stretch marks is an area of disagreement between physicians as it has not yet been proved conclusively. Most people are aware of stretch marks which have been caused by pregnancy but they can occur in many different ways.
Stretch marks is a general term for a type of scarring of the skin. Striae distensae, vergetures, striae atrophicae, linea albicante, striae cutis distensae, lineae atrophicae, striae distensae, or just striae. Triae gravidarum is the correct medical name for stretch marks caused during pregnancy. As most women develop stretch marks, of varying degrees, during pregnancy (between 75-90%) I will look at these in particular.
Most people tend to accept that stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched far faster than it can cope with such as during growth spurts. The skin's natural elasticity will only allow it to stretch so far before it's structure begins to deteriorate. In cases of the overstretching of the skin there is often a loss of elastin and a breakdown of collagen fibers. This breakdown is often so severe that it show through the epidermis and appears as stretch marks. During the stretching of the skin many small blood vessels can be ruptured which can cause discoloration in the outer layers of the skin. However a more detailed analysis of stretch marks and their causes has led to a greater understanding of the skin in general.
Fibroblasts are special cells which are involved in the creation of elastin and collagen fibers. Under normal conditions these fibers are produced to keep the growing skin taut. The process is continual as it is natural for these fibers to break down and be replaced. This is known as skin remodeling. Fibroblasts also help heal wounds by producing collagen to close the wound and allow the skin to bond again.
Unfortunately, during pregnancy, there is a massive change in the levels of various hormones in the body. One such hormone, glucocorticoids is produced excessively leading to increased levels in circulated blood. The glucocorticoids inhibit the skin remodeling work of the fibroblasts. As the repair network of the skin is damaged it can cause the skin to become over stretched and the skin can begin to thin. It is the lack of elastin and collagen that leads to the formation of stretch marks.
Glucocorticoids are also released in excess during body building, weight lifting and similar activities that cause the muscles to grow fast and it is therefore common to see such marks on athletic people. The use of steroids (topical or oral) can also lead to a thinning of the thickness of the skin and, ultimately, the formation of striae.
Unfortunately the occurrence of striae is on the increase. Many countries are finding that an increasing percentage of their population are so overweight that they are clinically obese. People who are obese often find that they have stretch marks in many different areas of the body. As the problem of striae is on the increase it is of increasing importance that we find ways in which to remove stretch marks, reduce their visibility or, if possible, stop them from occurring in the first place.
Microdermabrasion Can Reduce Scars
Microdermabrasion has been proven to show a reduction in the appearance of many different skin marks. It is most effective against old white marks that seem to take years to fade but always seem to remain, those scars which fail to respond to the many creams and ointments available.
Unfortunately there has not really been sufficient scientific studies on the effects of microdermabrasion. However those microscopic studies which have been made tend to support the fact that Microdermabrasion helps greatly in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
The procedure works well on nearly all forms of scars (acne especially) and it is, possibly, the best treatment for stretch marks available at the moment. Over the last few years the growth of the microdermabrasion market and the increased awareness of this wonderful treatment means that it is available world wide. Most commonly found available at cosmetic surgery clinics it is now increasingly common to find it available in your local beauty salon.
A normal course of microdermabrasion treatments is about 6 sessions over 6 months but microdermabrasion for stretch marks usually takes at least 10 sessions for the maximum benefits. The reasons why it works are, possibly, two fold. Firstly the treatment helps the skin by speeding up the natural process of skin remodeling. Secondly it helps stimulate the production of collagen. At the end of the day, who cares? It works and that is what really matters!
Next >
More articles about microdermabrasion below this video
More articles about microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion Clinics / Companies
